UNI IS OVER… WHAT NOW?

First of all, I would like to congratulate all of you who are graduating from Aston
University!

Great job!

The time of year has come when most students are done with classes, and some are done with their degrees. This is indeed a big accomplishment and it will have an amazing effect on your lives from now on. 👏👏👏

If you are looking to go into further education, be that a master’s degree or a PhD, I will leave you all with my top tips of achieving this goal…

#1: Research universities and their programmes 🔍

Search high and low…

You want to find the best university and programme for YOU; don’t be too hung up on rankings or ‘status’… the best option is finding something suitable for your needs and aspirations.

#2: Contact your lecturer for a reference letter 📧

It’s part of their job title, so don’t worry about asking them!

Chances are you are going to need a reference letter, or two.

Contact those lectures whom you have developed an academic relationship with during your studies, and ask them to write you a reference letter for your intended course.

Remember: it is important to check the requirements of the specific programme you’re applying to. 👀

#3: Look for scholarships and funding 💸

Any excuse for an Aladdin GIF.

It is definitely not that easy to find bursaries to fund your studies, but it is worth the shot. As a wise man once said: you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Research extensively, the right scholarship may be where you least expect it. It is always a good idea to check the university’s website.

By the way, Google can be your best friend for this task – research, research, research. 💻

#4: Check application deadlines and documents required ✅

Don’t be like Psyduck…

Be sure to check when you need to submit your application, and what documents should go in it.

You do not want to miss the opportunity because you forgot a document, or that the deadline was last Monday, for example. 😱

#5: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself 😥

😭😭😭

Last, but not least, it is okay not to be accepted for the scholarship, university or programme you have chosen!

It is not – by any means – the end of the world. Things do not always go the way you plan, so it’s good to have a backup plan in case they don’t.